John Coan III
Psychosynthesis Counseling, Body Work
John Coan, nationally certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork since 1993, is a staff member and executive director of the Synthesis Center in Amherst, MA. He has taught massage at the Stillpoint School and currently teaches psychosynthesis at the Synthesis Center. John is an administrative consultant for the AAP, a national psychosynthesis organization. He is an avid contradancer, has studied dance therapy at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and danced with the Deborah Hay Dance Company in Austin, Texas.
What is Process-Oriented Bodywork?
Process-Oriented Bodywork uses gentle touch and dialogue to encourage physical and emotional healing on many levels. The body’s messages guide us to levels of thought and feeling which lead to profound new insights into our histories and behaviors. In dialoguing with these messages, which often appear as images, symptoms, or physical discomfort of some kind, we tap into the body’s inner knowing. We begin to see that images, symptoms and discomfort are not random events that happen to us. Instead, they are the body’s way of communicating with us. Process-oriented bodywork encourages this communication and uses it to deepen our understanding of who we truly are. Because the mental and emotional aspects of our lives cannot be separated from our bodies, process-oriented bodywork is an ideal healing method for the integration of all the different parts of ourselves, allowing for a truly holistic approach to growth and well-being.


Process-Oriented Bodywork is a comprehensive therapy, designed to work with the whole range of psychological, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. Sessions can also be used in conjunction with counseling, psychotherapy or other forms of bodywork for those already
engaged in these processes.

The client remains fully clothed during sessions, which are done on a massage table. Sessions last one hour and initially occur once a week in
order to establish a rapport and rhythm. Sessions might then move to every other week or less frequently depending on need. A sliding scale fee is offered.
John Coan draws on Psychosynthesis, Craniosacral Therapy, SomatoEmotional Release, and Therapeutic Massage techniques in his work. These may include:

• Guided Imagery
• Dialogue with images, symptoms, or parts of ourselves
• Body Awareness
• Conscious Relaxation and Breathing
• Gentle Hands-on Work
• Contact with Inner Wise Being

Sessions are often grounded in conversation to help understand and implement new awarenesses and insights, supporting the client in taking new steps in their lives.
A free initial intake is offered to determine if Process-Oriented Bodywork is right for you.
Therapeutic Massage sessions for wellness and relaxation are also available.
John Coan
Licensed Massage Therapist
Certified Psychosynthesis Practitioner
413-586-3472
jgcoan@comcast.net